Wanis International Foods has seen increased demand from retailers for imported soft drinks and impulse snacks, spurred by government legislation and the latest social media trends.
The London-based cash-and-carry operator stocks more than 7,500 lines for independent retailers. Its most-popular products come from its impulse, ambient and drinks range.
Wanis Operations director Alam Ameer told our sister website Better Retailing: “Soft drinks imported from the US and Asia are popular, and they’re seeing huge growth at the moment.
“Many major brands reformulated their drinks due to the sugar tax that was introduced in 2018. A lot of customers are seeking imported soft drinks because they still have full sugar. Prices on any brand that hasn’t reformulated within the UK will be higher.
“Nigerian and US Fanta are huge at the moment, and there’s a lot of attention on TikTok around it. Another popular brand is Ting, which is Jamaican, and others that come from Trinidad and Tobago.”
This month, Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I warned that Ribena and Lucozade may be reformulated if the government announces a rumoured increased to the sugar tax in the Autumn Budget. In March, wholesalers were told the cost price of Monster Energy would increase due to new sugar tax rates.
Read more: Wanis awarded for charity work
Imported instant noodles a trend retailers need to pay attention to
Ameer said social media has played a significant role in spiking demand for instant noodle brands such as Buldak, which originates from South Korea.
He explained: “Social media has played a huge part, especially with the younger demographic. [Buldak] went crazy on TikTok, and customers were going mad for it. The demand has been crazy, and some places were even selling them for £60 a box.
“They do unique flavours, such as carbonara. It’s what the youngsters want, and they can’t keep up with production. Another instant noodle brand that has been going viral on social media is Kottu Mee, which originates from Sri Lanka. Naughty Tomato is an Indian snack that’s also doing well. It’s very similar to Nik Naks. The biggest trends for us are all brand-driven and customers also want that authentic flavour.”
Several independent retailers had also reported similar trends to Better Retailing, with the Buldak brand growing to become one of their biggest-selling noodle brands. H & Jodie’s Wholesale, started by independent retailer Amrit Singh Pahal, has sold out of the range, while one store owner reported demand had been driven from an influx of south-east Asian students living nearby their store.
